Antique French Devotional Sacred Heart Placard.

This wonderful antique French piece is known as a hanging devotional placard or panneau de dévotion. Unlike a standard holy card (image pieuse) meant to be kept inside a prayer book or pocket, cardboard plaques like this were specifically manufactured to be displayed on a wall or altar. The metal eyelet (grommet) at the top center allows it to hang from a small nail or pin. The thick, rigid cardboard backing bordered with red paper made the piece sturdy enough to hang flat against a wall without warping over time. Because it was hung prominently in a bedroom or main living area, its primary purpose was to remind family members to say the short prayer inscribed on it ("Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You") throughout the day to earn the 300-day indulgence noted at the bottom.

The image shows a French Catholic devotional card dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, dated June 1906. It is written in French and features traditional religious imagery and text. On the left, a flaming red heart represents the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is depicted with a cross at the top, radiating light, and encircled by a crown of thorns, symbolizing Christ's love and sacrifice. An intricate vertical border decorated with thorns and greenery runs along the left edge. The main text is written in stylized, illuminated-style lettering:

"Cœur Sacré de Jésus, J'ai Confiance en Vous."
(Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You).

• Indulgence Notes: It reads "Ind. plén. chaque mois" (Plenary indulgence each month) and "Ind. 300 j. chaque fois" (Indulgence of 300 days each time).
• Papal Decree: It attributes these to Pope Pius X (Pie X), dated June 5, 1906 (5 juin 1906).
• Publisher Information: The very bottom edge indicates it was printed in Paris (CHASLE EDITEUR, 81, RUE BONAPARTE, PARIS).

It measures 5.25" x 3.25". Please note that the easel it sits on is not included.

Please email me with questions.